Late Night Paddle
Picked up Tim, my youngest son, at the airport today. He is home from school until Monday. He is best man in a wedding tomorrow. I dropped him at the barbers to get a hair-cut then went home to sleep, as I work nights.
He had the groom and the rest of the guys out for a few hours. They were out in the bunkhouse and sauna until midnight - then everyone took off.
Tim woke me up and asked me how I felt about a paddle down the lake. The surface of the water was like glass, the loons were calling, and we paddled half a mile without talking. We paddled out into the Cloquet River and let the canoe drift while Tim talked about his plans for the future. I just listened.
I love all my kids equally, but Tim and I have always had a special affinity. He is 21, has a special sweetness of spirit, and any future is possible. It was a joy to hear him talk, and I refrained from mentioning any of the bitter taints that the years and life may bring.
I'd taken a few hours off work, but I had to be in by 0300, so our paddle time was short - but oh so fine.
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